Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral Contact Lenses Q&A

What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large diameter rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that provide clear and sharp vision, while allowing oxygen to pass through to the cornea promoting remarkable ocular health.

Why do people decide to wear scleral lenses versus traditional soft contact lenses?

• Improved Vision Correction: Patients who have limited or no improvement in vision with traditional glasses or soft contact lenses due to high astigmatism, irregular astigmatism, irregular corneas (keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal transplant).
• Dry Eye Management: Scleral lenses vault over the cornea, creating a reservoir of fluid that bathes the corneal surface, providing relief and protection for those with severe dry eye syndrome.
• Comfort: Scleral lenses are known for their comfort due to their large diameter, which covers the entire cornea and rests on the sclera (white part of the eye), avoiding direct contact with the sensitive corneal surface.
• Superior Vision Quality: They provide superior vision quality compared to other types of contact lenses, especially in cases where irregular corneas distort vision with traditional lenses.

Are scleral lenses good for Keratoconus?

Yes, scleral contact lenses are considered one of the best options for managing vision problems caused by keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision.

What is the initial evaluation process like?

We perform all of our normal testing, but also use a special Scleral Lens Profiler called the Eaglet, which gives a precise shape of both your cornea and sclera. We are one of the only offices in the Atlanta/Gwinnett area to have this technology. This unique device allows us to get a more precise fit of the contact lens to the eye. This also reduces the amount of visits and remakes because the measurements are so precise. Most patients can expect at least 3 follow-up appointments to make sure the scleral lenses are fitting correctly, and sometimes more for more complicated eye diseases.

Are the lenses difficult to put on?

Initially, scleral lenses can be intimidating for some people, especially if they are new to wearing contact lenses or if they have not used larger-diameter lenses before. As with anything new, there is a learning curve involved, but our team will dedicate the time and training needed to make you feel comfortable inserting and removing scleral lenses. We provide the necessary insertion tools, such as plungers and suction cups, to make the process even easier.

With my eye condition, does my insurance cover these special lenses?

In most cases, yes. Vision plans such as VSP and Eyemed have a benefit called “Medically Necessary Contact Lenses.” Once we evaluate your eyes, we can then determine if you meet the necessary criteria to quality based on your specific vision plan. If you do not quality based on their criteria, we do have multiple payment plans options to help.

To schedule your examination for scleral lenses, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.